Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Medium (2.5 Inch Diameter) Pack of 2, for breeds 20-60 lbs

The Chuckit! Ultra Ball is built from thick, solid rubber with a textured outer surface, giving it a firmer construction than a standard tennis ball while staying gentle against a dog's mouth. The rubber core holds up to rough games of fetch, though the ball is not designed as a dedicated chew toy, so supervision during play is recommended.

The lightweight build produces a high bounce on hard ground, and because the ball floats, it works for fetch in water as well as on land. It fits medium Chuckit ball launchers for longer throws without bending down to pick up a wet ball.

• Medium size, 2.5 inches in diameter, pack of 2

This size suits dogs in the 20 to 60 lb range. A ball should be easy for a dog to carry but too large to fit entirely inside the mouth, so choose the next size up if your dog sits at the top of that weight range.

When shopping for a ball like this, one distinction worth noting is the difference between hollow and solid rubber construction. Hollow balls tend to be lighter and bouncier but can collapse under a strong bite, while the solid core here resists that kind of compression, making it a better fit for dogs that retrieve aggressively. The textured surface also gives dogs a better grip when carrying, which can reduce the tendency to drop the ball mid-return. If your dog is at the lighter end of the 20 to 60 lb range, the medium size will likely feel natural in the mouth; for dogs closer to 60 lbs, monitor how the ball sits to make sure it stays secure during carries without fitting too deep into the jaw.

After sessions in water or wet grass, rinse the ball and let it air dry before putting it away, since rubber left damp in an enclosed bag or bin can develop an odor over time. Storing both balls together means you can keep one in play while the other dries. Because this pack includes two, it is also practical for training exercises where you throw one while holding the other, encouraging your dog to return and drop the first ball in exchange for the second.